We were hoping, after our recent post on the Charles Martin-built Model T-based tank, that we’d find out more about what ultimately happened to Martin’s concept, but all that has yet come of that research has been this photo posted by twin6 on the H.A.M.B. of another Model T-based tank with a different wheel/tread design. We have no context to go with the photo, but from the mud spattered on the sides of the T, the “U.S. Army Ord. Dept.” license plate, the men who appear to be Army brass hearing a pitch for the tank, and the much larger tank behind the men, we can guess that this photo was taken at an Army proving grounds after running the T through its paces. Did Charles Martin revise the design of his tank to (or from) this design? Or did he have a competitor trying to pitch a similar concept?

Bridge in the background is the Francis Scott Key bridge. The location is most likely Fort Myers, VA. The Wright brothers flew their first military demonstration out of Fort Myers. The suspension on the Model T Ford “tank” is pretty crude. Does not look like anything Christie would have come up with. The center two sets of “road wheels” were primarily guides for the unique tracks, and also to distibute the vehicle weight. Considering the light weight of the Model T, the ground pressure for this “tank” would be pretty low, allowing for good cross country mobility in muddy or sandy soils. The front and rear axels seem to be the only suspension, and consist of the original Model T leaf springs. I don’t believe the center roadwheels have any suspension, so the ride would be extremely still, and reduce mobility for crossing obstacles. The track seems to be a continuous “belt” design with guides mounted on the track to keep it centered on the road wheels. Mud could get between the driven rear wheel and the track, causing a lack of traction. There doesn’t seem to be a idler or track tensioner to solve any stretch or slipping problems.